Connector assembly for attachments to hair

ABSTRACT

A connector assembly for installing on a filament, such as hair, includes a crimping member, a connector, and a decoration attachment member. The crimping member is for crimping around the filament. The connector is linked to the crimp bead. The decoration attachment member is coupled to the connector. The connector assembly is substantially permanently attached to the filament.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 63/345,452, filed May 25, 2023, the disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The present invention relates to a connector assembly for use in aperson's hair. In particular, the invention relates to a connectorassembly for substantially permanently applying to a user's hair thatpermits a user to position different decorations on the connectorassembly.

BACKGROUND

Hair extensions are pieces of real or fake hair that is used to addadditional hair and/or longer hair into existing hair. Hair extensionsare well known. Typical methodologies for installing hair extensionsinclude the use of removable combs, the use of crimp beads 10,sewing/weaving hair into existing hair using thread and/or otherconnectors, or gluing extensions into existing hair.

Removable combs are typically positioned under existing hair against thescalp. They can easily come loose, ruining the look of the hair. Inaddition, they are often easy to see if the person wearing them ismoving or it is windy, among other instances.

Crimp beads 10 provide a more permanent form of installing hairextensions against the scalp. Typical crimp beads 10 are shown in FIGS.1-4 . Crimp beads 10 are typically about (outside diameter) by about 3mm (length), with an inner diameter of approximately 3 mm. Crimp beads10 have a deformable exterior layer, such as a metal ring, with asilicone or other softer material insert in the form of the ringpositioned inside the metal exterior ring. Brass is one type of materialthat can be used for the ring, among other materials.

The inner material is meant to protect the hair while still clinging tothe hair so that the crimp bead 10 stays permanently installed aroundthe hair. Hair is positioned inside the ring, along with a hairextension, and the bead 10 is then crimped down upon the hair to holdthe hair extension in position. Crimping of the bead 10 is illustratedin FIG. 5 , where a pliers 12 is used to crimp the bead 10 onto aperson's existing hair. Hair extensions installed in a user's hair areshown in FIG. 6 . Crimp beads 10 are a more permanent form of attachinghair extensions to existing hair. As shown in FIG. 6 , differentlycolored hair extensions 14 can be used to change the look of the hair asa form of decoration. Weaving of extensions 14 into existing hairinvolves Weaving, sewing, or gluing occurs with hair wefts that come incurtain-like shapes. In the case of weaving or sewing, a user creates atight braid across part of their head and then the weft is stitched ontothe braid. Alternatively, the hair weft can be glued to existing hair.In his technique, the hair weft is glued directly to the user's existinghair. There are other known techniques for attaching extensions 14 tohair.

People enjoy placing decorations in their hair, such as barrettes,combs, and the like. It has been known to put feathers in women's hairusing a crimp bead 10, where the user's hair is threaded through thebead 10 and then the quill or end of the feather is inserted into thecrimp bead 10 before it is crimped. This permits for a relativelylong-lasting decoration that can only be permanently removed andreplaced by removing the crimp bead 10. It is also known for users touse braided hair or beaded decorations and inserting them into theirhair with a clip. These types of decorations are easily removablebecause the clip is removable. Clips of this nature are not normallyvery comfortable to sleep with. Also, these types of removable clips areprone to falling out. In addition, typically a single clip holds asingle decoration.

SUMMARY

A connector assembly for substantially permanently applying to a user'shair that permits a user to position different elements, such asdecorative members, on the connector assembly, is shown and described.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a prior art crimp bead;

FIG. 2 depicts another perspective view of a prior art crimp bead;

FIG. 3 depicts perspective top view of a prior art crimp bead;

FIG. 4 depicts a side view of a prior art crimp bead;

FIG. 5 depicts a schematic of a pliers applying a force to a crimp beadto crimp it to a user's hair;

FIG. 6 depicts a rear view of a user's head with several colored hairextensions applied to the user's hair using crimp beads.

FIG. 7 depicts an embodiment of a connector assembly installed in auser's hair, with a decoration attached to the connector assembly,according to the invention;

FIG. 8 depicts another embodiment of a connector assembly installed in auser's hair, with multiple decorations attached to the connectorassembly;

FIG. 9 depicts a perspective view of yet another embodiment of theconnector assembly according to the invention;

FIG. 10 depicts the embodiment of FIG. 9 with a crimp bead installedaround part of the connector assembly for attaching to a user's hair;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the connector assembly and crimpbead shown in FIG. 10 ;

FIG. 12 depicts a side view of the connector assembly of FIG. 9 ;

FIG. 13 depicts a rear view of the connector assembly of FIG. 9 ;

FIG. 14 depicts a partial cross-sectional side view of the connectorassembly of FIG. 9 , taken along line 14-14 in FIG. 13 ;

FIG. 15 depicts a top view of the connector assembly of FIG. 10 ;

FIG. 16 depicts a top view of the connector assembly of FIG. 9 , withoutthe crimp bead;

FIG. 17 depicts a bottom view of the connector assembly of FIG. 9 ;

FIG. 18 depicts a perspective view of the link of the connector assemblyof FIG. 9 ;

FIG. 19 depicts a side view of the link shown in FIG. 18 ;

FIG. 20 depicts a top view of the link shown in FIG. 18 ;

FIG. 21 depicts a bottom view of the link shown in FIG. 18 ;

FIG. 22 depicts a perspective view of the decoration attachment memberof the connector assembly of FIG. 9 ;

FIG. 23 depicts a top view of the decoration attachment member of theconnector assembly of FIG. 22 ;

FIG. 24 depicts a bottom view of the decoration attachment member ofFIG. 22 ;

FIG. 25 depicts a side view of the decoration attachment member of FIG.22 ;

FIG. 26 depicts a rear view of the decoration attachment member of FIG.22 ;

FIG. 27 depicts a front view of the decoration attachment member of FIG.22 ;

FIG. 28 depicts a cross-sectional view of the decoration attachmentmember of FIG. 22 , taken along line B-B in FIG. 27 ;

FIG. 29 depicts a cross-sectional view of the decoration attachmentmember of FIG. 22 , taken along line C-C in FIG. 27

FIG. 30 depicts a perspective view of yet another alternative embodimentof the connector assembly according to the invention, with a crimp beadinstalled on part of the connector assembly;

FIG. 31 depicts a front view of the connector assembly of FIG. 30 ,without the crimp bead installed, with the rear view of the connectorassembly being a mirror image of the front view;

FIG. 32 depicts a partial cross-sectional view of the connector assemblyshown in FIG. 31 ;

FIG. 33 depicts a perspective view of another alternative embodiment ofthe connector assembly according to the invention, with a crimp beadinstalled on the connector assembly;

FIG. 34 depicts a perspective view of the connector assembly shown inFIG. 33 , without a crimp bead installed;

FIG. 35 depicts a perspective exploded view of the connector assemblyshown in FIG. 34 ;

FIG. 36 depicts a perspective view of another embodiment of theconnector assembly according to the invention, with a decorative elementattached to the bottom end of the connector assembly;

FIG. 37 depicts a perspective view of the connector assembly of FIG. 36, without the decorative element installed on the bottom end of theconnector assembly;

FIG. 38 depicts a perspective exploded view of the connector assembly ofFIG. 37 ;

FIG. 39 depicts a perspective view of yet another alternative embodimentof the connector assembly according to the invention, with a crimp beadinstalled around the top end of the connector assembly;

FIG. 40 depicts a perspective exploded view of yet another alternativeembodiment of the connector assembly according to the invention, with acrimp bead installed around the top end of the connector assembly;

FIG. 41 depicts a cross-sectional side view of the decoration attachmentmember shown in FIG. 40 ;

FIG. 42 depicts an exploded perspective view of yet another embodimentof the connector assembly according to the invention, with a crimp beadinstalled inside the connector assembly;

FIG. 43 depicts a partial cross-sectional front view of the connectorassembly shown in FIG. 42 , with the decoration attachment memberinstalled on the connector assembly;

FIG. 44 depicts an exploded perspective view of yet another embodimentof the connector assembly according to the invention showing a crimpbead at the top end;

FIG. 45 depicts a partial cross-sectional front view of the connectorassembly shown in FIG. 44 , with the decoration attachment memberinstalled on the connector assembly;

FIG. 46 depicts an exploded perspective view of another alternativeembodiment of the connector assembly according to the invention, with acrimp bead shown at the top end;

FIG. 47 depicts an exploded front view of the connector assembly shownin FIG. 46 ;

FIG. 48 depicts an exploded perspective view of another alternativeembodiment of the connector assembly according to the invention, with acrimp bead shown at the top end;

FIG. 49 depicts an exploded front view of the connector assembly shownin FIG. 48 ;

FIG. 50 depicts an exploded perspective view of yet another alternativeembodiment of the connector assembly according to the invention;

FIG. 51 depicts an exploded perspective view of yet another alternativeembodiment of the connector assembly according to the invention;

FIG. 52 depicts a front view of yet another embodiment of the connectorassembly according to the invention, with a crimp bead installed in thetop end of the connector assembly;

FIG. 53 depicts a perspective view of another embodiment of theconnector assembly according to the invention;

FIG. 54 depicts a perspective view of the connector assembly of FIG. 53with the decoration attachment member in a position for use with adecorative element;

FIG. 55 depicts a perspective view of the connector assembly of FIG. 53shown in an alternative decoration attachment member position;

FIG. 56 depicts a perspective view of the connector assembly of FIG. 55shown installed in a user's hair;

FIG. 57 depicts a plan view of a connector assembly for installationaround a crimp bead according to an alternative embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 58 depicts the connector assembly of FIG. 57 installed on a crimpbead prior to crimping;

FIG. 59 depicts a perspective view of yet another embodiment of theconnector assembly according to the invention;

FIG. 60 depicts an exploded perspective view of the connector assemblyof FIG. 59 ;

FIG. 61 depicts a perspective view of the connector assembly of FIG. 59installed in a user's hair;

FIG. 62 depicts a perspective exploded view of yet another alternativeembodiment of the connector assembly according to the invention;

FIG. 63 depicts a perspective view of the connector assembly of FIG. 62installed in a user's hair;

FIG. 64 depicts a perspective view of yet another alternative embodimentof the connector assembly according to the invention;

FIG. 65 depicts an exploded perspective view of a further alternativeembodiment of the connector assembly according to the invention;

FIG. 66 depicts a perspective view of yet another embodiment of theconnector assembly according to the invention;

FIG. 67 depicts a perspective view of the connector assembly of FIG. 66shown installed in a user's hair;

FIG. 68 depicts a perspective view of yet another alternative embodimentof the connector assembly according to the invention;

FIG. 69 depicts a plan view of yet another alternative embodiment of theconnector assembly according to the invention;

FIG. 70 depicts an exploded perspective view of the connector assemblyof FIG. 69 along with a crimp bead;

FIG. 71 depicts a perspective view of the connector assembly of FIG. 69with a decorative element attached to the connector assembly;

FIG. 72 depicts a perspective view of yet another alternative embodimentof a connector assembly according to the invention;

FIG. 73 depicts a perspective view of the connector assembly of FIG. 72crimped into a user's hair;

FIG. 74 depicts an exploded perspective view of yet another embodimentof a connector assembly according to the invention along with a crimpbead;

FIG. 75 depicts a perspective view of the connector assembly of FIG. 74installed on the crimp bead;

FIG. 76 depicts a plan view of another alternative embodiment of aconnector assembly according to the invention; and

FIG. 77 depicts a plan view of yet another alternative embodiment of aconnector assembly according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A connector assembly 20 is described herein for substantiallypermanently applying a decorative element to a user's hair. Theconnector assembly 20 has a decoration attachment member 32 in the formof a loop, a post, a ring, an opening, or other member or shape thatpermits a user to apply a decoration 30 to the connector assembly 20 ina removable manner. The connector assembly 20 is designed to, in part,remain in the user's hair substantially permanently, but the decorativeelement can be removed and replaced as the user desires.

It has been known to permanently install hair decorations 30 and hairextensions 14 into the hair using a crimp bead 10, as shown in FIGS. 1-6, with the bead 10 being crimped to stay in the hair on a substantiallypermanent basis until the hair grows out or the decoration 30 falls outof the crimp. While these types of hair decorations 30 are useful, theydo not provide the user with the option of changing the decoration 30.Once the decoration 30 or hair extension 14 is installed in the crimpbead 10 and the bead 10 is crimped to trap the decoration 30 or hairextension 14 in the bead 10, the decoration 30 or hair extension 14stays in the hair until the user removes the crimp bead 10.

It is desirable, however, to provide a substantially permanent connectorassembly 20 in the hair that has a connector 22 for coupling withmultiple different types of decorations 30, including one or moredecoration 30 at a time per connector 22, if desired. The connectorassembly 20 is designed to seat close to the user's head and becomfortable during sleep. The connector assembly 20 also can remain inthe user's hair for an extended period of time and be washed and styledwith the user's hair, like normal. It is preferred that the user barelynotices the connector assembly 20 while it is installed in the user'shair. It is also preferred that the connector assembly 20 is nearlyinvisible and hard to notice by others when installed.

By substantially permanently applying to a user's hair, it is meant thatthe connector assembly 20 stays in a user's hair, can be washed with thehair, can remain during styling of the hair, and is generally consideredpermanent. However, hair grows. Since the crimp bead is crimped to thehair, as the hair grows, it will eventually be in a position that is toolow on the head to be desirable. Hair typically grows about ½ inch permonth on average, or about 6 inches per year. If the crimp bead 10 ispositioned near the upper part of the head, arguably, the connectorassembly 20 could stay in a user's hair for at least 2 months or more,and likely more like 3 to 6 months or more depending upon how the userlikes to wear the hair decoration 30. Moreover, multiple hairdecorations 30 can be installed in the hair at different locations anddifferent heights on the scalp, which may change the amount of time auser prefers to wear the connector assembly 20.

A number of different connector assemblies 20 are described and depictedherein. Each of the connector assemblies can be used in a user's hairfor extended periods of time for applying decorations 30 to a user'shair. Once the connector assembly 20 is installed in a user's hair, auser may pick and choose between numerous different decorations 30 andwear them with the connector assembly 20 whenever they wish, withouthaving to remove the connector assembly 20 from the hair. In addition,because the connector assembly 20 is unobtrusive, the user can wear theconnector assembly 20 in the hair without using a decoration 30, whendesired, without having others notice that the connector assembly 20 isinstalled.

Referring to FIG. 7 , a first embodiment of a connector assembly 20 isshown. The connector assembly 20 includes a connector 22 in the form ofa metal loop, known as a jump ring in the jewelry field, that extendsthrough a crimp bead 10. A decoration attachment member 32 is in theform of a lobster claw hook that couples to the metal loop and adecoration 30 is attached to the decoration attachment member 32. Inthis embodiment, the metal loop serves as a link between the crimp bead10 and the decoration attachment member 32. The decoration attachmentmember 32 is removable from the link, but the link is permanentlyinstalled within the crimp bead 10 and is only removable when the crimpbead is removed.

FIG. 8 depicts an embodiment like that of FIG. 7 , except for a U-shapedring is used as a link between the crimp bead 10 and the decorationattachment member 32.

The decoration attachment member 32 is an element that is removable fromthe connector 22 of the connector assembly 20 and is coupled to a hairdecoration 30 that hangs or is otherwise attached to the decorationattachment member 32. The decoration attachment member 32 can takenumerous different forms. Typically, the decoration attachment member 32is a clip or other removable device that couples with a connector 22.The connector 22 can be a ring, a pin, or any other element that can becoupled to a user's hair using a crimping element that clips into thehair and that also permits a decoration attachment member 32 to becoupled to the connector 22. Crimping elements are described herein, butit is envisioned that other elements other than crimp rings 10 could beused to couple the connector assembly 20 to the user's hair. Thus, theinvention is not limited to the use of a crimp ring 10. The decorationattachment member 32 is coupled to a decoration 30. The decorationattachment member 32 may be directly attachable to the connector 22 ormay be coupled to the connector 22.

While not shown, multiple connector assemblies 20 can be used in concertto couple a hair ornament (not shown) to a user's hair—such as a crownor hair band. For example, connector assemblies 20 can be spaced acrossa user's head and a decorative element 30 can be positioned on the headand attached to the spaced apart connector assemblies 20 usingdecoration attachment members 32. This permits the hair ornament to besemi-permanently positioned on a user's head, but removable on demand.

FIGS. 9-29 depict another embodiment of the invention that utilizes anon-ring-shaped link or connector 22. In this embodiment, the link is apin 22 that is crimped to a user's hair using a conventional crimp bead10. Hair extends through the crimp bead 10 and both the hair and thelinking pin 22 are crimped inside the crimp bead 10. A decorationattachment member 32 is then coupled to the pin 22 by pressing thedecoration attachment member 32 onto the pin. The pin 22 includes a beador ball 26 at the bottom end thereof and the decoration attachmentmember 32 has a complementary shape to the pin 22 so that it will notslide off the pin 22. The decoration attachment member 32 issemi-circular and is shaped so that it is press fit onto the pin 22 andstays in position during movement of the user's hair and any decoration30 that is attached to the decoration attachment member 32. Thedecoration attachment member 32 has a smaller internal diameter at thetop end than at the bottom end thereof. The bead/ball 26 on the post 22seats in the larger diameter portion of the decoration attachment member32 but is not permitted to slide upwardly into the smaller internaldiameter at the top end of the decoration attachment member 32.

The decoration attachment member 32 includes a hole/opening 28 throughwhich a lobster claw or other connector can extend to couple adecoration 30 to the decoration attachment member 32. The embodimentshown in FIGS. 9-29 is advantageous in that a user can easily remove thedecoration attachment member 32 and any associated decoration 30 forsleeping purposes. Because the pin 22 has a low profile and small shape,the user will typically not feel the pin 22 while they are sleeping.

FIGS. 30-32 depict another embodiment of the connector assembly 20 thatincludes an upper loop 34 that includes a crimp bead 10 through whichthe upper loop 34 extends. A member 22 having a female opening iscoupled to the upper loop 34. A male member 32 serves as a decorationattachment member 32 having a loop with an opening 28 for securing adecoration 30 thereto. The male member 32 is a post that has a bead orball 26 extending outwardly from a central area of the post. The femalemember 22 has an indentation 36 for capturing the bead or ball 26. Adecoration 30 can be directly attached to the decoration attachmentmember 32, or a lobster claw or other clip type of attachment can beused to connect a decoration 30, if desired.

FIGS. 33-35 depict an embodiment like that shown in FIGS. 9-32 , exceptit includes a post 22 having an upper loop 38 in the form of adeformable member that extends around a crimp bead 10 so that it can becrimped with the crimp bead 10. In an alternative embodiment, the upperloop is not deformable, but the crimp bead 10 can be crimped aboveand/or below the upper loop to trap the loop on a user's hair with thecrimp bead 10. As with FIGS. 9-32 , a decoration 30 can be eitherdirectly attached to a hole 28 in the decoration attachment member 32,or a lobster claw or other connector can be used to couple thedecoration 30 to the decoration attachment member 32.

FIGS. 36-38 depict an alternative embodiment like FIGS. 9-32 except thepost 22 couples with a female opening in a decoration attachment member32. The post 22 has a ball 26 positioned at the end thereof for seatingin an indentation (not shown) that is shaped to receive the ball 26. Thedecoration attachment decoration attachment member 32 has spring arms 40that permit the post 22 and bead 10 to enter the decoration attachmentmember 32 and stay coupled therewith. The post 22 is coupled to a user'shair by a crimp bead 10, like shown in FIGS. 9-32 .

FIG. 39 depicts an alternative embodiment that uses a post 22 having abead 26 positioned at a bottom end thereof. A crimp bead 10 ispositioned around an upper end of the post and the crimp bead 10 securesthe post 22 to a user's hair. The post 22, or link between the crimpbead 10 and the decoration attachment member 32, has a length thatextends below the crimp bead 10 after it is crimped. A clip-on member 42having a semi-circular, cuff shape is shaped to be press-fit around thepost to be secured to the post 22. The clip-on member 42 is thedecoration attachment member 32 and includes a hole or loop 28 foraccepting a decoration 30. The ball 26 at the bottom of the post helpsto prevent the clip-on member 42 from sliding off the post 22. Like withprior embodiments, if desired, a user can remove the decorationattachment member 32 from the pin 22 and can replace it with a differentdecoration attachment member 32 having a different decoration 30 or canremove it when not wanted while allowing the post 22 to remain in thehair for future use.

FIG. 40-41 depicts an embodiment having a post 22 that is crimped to auser's hair with a crimp bead 10. The post 22 includes a bead or ball 26at the bottom end thereof. The decoration attachment member 32 has afemale opening 44 for receiving the decoration attachment member 32. Thefemale opening 44 may be provided with a plurality of fingers 40 thatcan bend outwardly to permit the bead/ball 26 to enter the femaleopening 44.

FIG. 42-43 depicts an embodiment having a post 22 that is coupled to acrimp bead 10 like that shown in FIGS. 33-35 . A decoration attachmentmember 32 has a semi-circular cuff-like shape 42 that seats around thepost 22 above a ball/bead 26 that is positioned at the bottom of thepost 22. A base surface 46 of the decoration attachment member 32 seatsdirectly below the ball/bead 26 of the post 22. A loop having an opening28 is coupled below the base surface 46 for coupling to a decoration 30.As with prior embodiments, the decoration attachment member 32 isremovable from the post 22.

FIGS. 44-45 depicts an alternative embodiment that utilizes a crimp bead10 having a hole 48 through the side of the crimp bead 10, with a jumpring 50 inserted through the hole 48 in the crimp bead 10. A post 22having an upper opening 52 for coupling with the jump ring 50 isprovided. The post 22 has a bead/ball 26 positioned at the bottom endthereof to provide a larger diameter at the bead 26 than the remainderof the diameter of the post 22. The post 22 serves as a link between thecrimp bead 10 and a decoration attachment member 32. The decorationattachment member 32 shown is like that in FIGS. 42-43 but could be likeother embodiments that utilize a post. The decoration attachment member32 is trapped on the post and cannot slide downwardly on the post due tothe ball 26 and the base surface 46.

FIGS. 46-47 depict another embodiment of the connector assembly 20 thatutilizes a crimp bead 10 with a post 22 coupled to the crimp bead 10 inany known manner, such as by welding, adhering, or other connectiontechniques. The post 22 extends downwardly from the crimp bead 10 andhas a lower member 56 having male parts in the form of two prongs 54.The prongs 54 can bend inwardly when pressure is exerted against them. Adecoration attachment member 32 having female parts inside a housing(not shown) for coupling with the male parts 54 is attachable to themale parts 54 to couple the decoration attachment member 32 to thelinking post 22. A loop or hole 28 is provided through the decorationattachment member 32 to couple a decoration 30 to the decorationattachment member 32.

FIGS. 48-49 are like the embodiment shown in FIGS. 46-47 , except thelink 22 is coupled to the crimp bead 10 via a jump ring 50 or other loopthat is coupled to an opening 48 in the crimp bead 10. As shown, thelink 22 can include a central upper opening 58 and a wire can beinserted through the opening and crimped 60 or otherwise secured insidethe link.

FIG. 50 depicts an embodiment having a crimp bead 10 having a linkingarea 62 for coupling with a decoration attachment member 32. The crimpbead 10 has a crimp area that is positioned above the linking area 62such that the entire crimp bead 10 is not typically crimped to a user'shair. The linking area 62 of the crimp bead 10 has a reduced diameterthat is complementary to a diameter of a decoration attachment member 32that can be press fit over the linking area. The decoration attachmentmember is a cuff 42 that surrounds the linking area 62. The decorationattachment member 32 has a semi-circular cross-section where it mateswith the linking area 62 and a loop or opening 28 that extendsdownwardly from the semi-circular, cuff portion 42 of the member forcoupling with a decoration attachment member 32.

FIG. 51 depicts an alternative embodiment that utilizes a regular crimpbead 10 at the top end along with partial portions of the crimp bead 10that extend downwardly from the crimp bead 10. The partial portions ofthe crimp bead 10 that extend downwardly serve as a linking portion orpost 22 for coupling with a decoration attachment member 32. The partialportions of the crimp bead are post-shaped and include a ball 25 that ispositioned at the bottom of each of the posts 22. A decorationattachment member 32 is has a cuff shape 42 and is sized to slide overthe linking portion/posts 22 of the crimp bead 10 to couple thedecoration attachment member 32 to the linking portion/posts 22. Thedecoration attachment member 32 includes a loop 28 for coupling with adecoration 30.

FIG. 52 depicts yet another embodiment where a ring-shaped member 64encircles the crimp bead 10, and a loop 28 extends downwardly from thering-shaped member 64. The ring-shaped member 64 serves as a link andthe loop 28 serves as a decoration attachment member 32. The ring-shapedmember 64 is crimped down with the crimp bead 10 to hold it in position.The loop 28 extends at a perpendicular angle with the ring-shapedmember.

FIGS. 53-56 depict an alternative embodiment that utilizes a modifiedcrimp bead 10 to provide a link member 22 and a decoration attachmentmember 32. The modified crimp bead includes an upper end in the form ofa conventional crimp bead 10. Part of the bottom end of the crimp bead10 is cut away to provide a loop 32 having an opening 28, with aconnecting portion 22 between the loop 32 and the crimp bead 10. Theconnecting portion 22 services as the link between the crimp bead 10 andthe loop 32. As shown, the loop 32 can be bent downwardly to provide aloop 32 that is easily accessed. The loop 32 can be bent downwardly atabout a 90-degree angle or could be bent at about 180-degree angle. Alobster claw or other connector 22 can be connected to the loop.Alternatively, a decoration 30 can be directly coupled to the loop.

FIGS. 57-58 depict an alternative embodiment of the connection assembly20 that includes a bendable member 66 having a loop 28 at one end in theform of a rectangular portion coupled to the loop 28. The rectangularportion 66 is wrapped around a crimp bead 10 such that the loop extendsoutwardly from the crimp bead 10. The rectangular portion 66 can becrimped with the crimp bead 10 and serves as a link 22 and the loop 28serves as a decoration attachment member 32. In this embodiment aseparate ring is coupled to the loop 28 and each of the separate ringand the loop 28 can serve as the decoration attachment member 32.

FIGS. 59-61 depict yet another embodiment that utilizes a crimp bead 10for coupling to a user's hair. A loop of string or wire 68 extendsthrough the crimp bead 10 and a loop 70 is formed for attaching a jumpring that has an opening 28 for receiving a decorative member 30. Theloop 70 serves as a linking member 22 and the jump ring serves as adecoration attachment member 32. A standard crimp bead 10 can be used,or a different type of bead can be used where the crimp bead 10 includesa deformable insert that is positioned inside the bead 10 after the loopof string or wire it positioned through the crimp bead 10. When thecrimp bead 10 is crimped, a user can attach a connector, like a lobsterclaw clip, with a decoration 30 to the jump ring 32. The loop 70 andwire 68 are the connector 22 and the jump ring 32 is the decorationattachment member 32 in this embodiment.

FIGS. 62-65 depict another embodiment that utilizes two ring-shapedmembers 64 that are spaced from one another and that are coupled by ahandle 72 that forms a loop. A crimp bead 10 is positioned between thetwo ring-shaped members 64. The ring-shaped members 64 can be made of aplastic or metal material. When the crimp bead 10 is crimped, itprevents or at least deters the two ring-shaped members 64 from beingremoved from the crimp bead 10. The handle 72 serves as a decorationattachment member 32. A connector 22 can be used to couple a decoration30 to the handle 72. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 64 , a loop havingan opening 28 may extend from the handle 72 for attaching to adecoration 30. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 65 , an upwardlyextending arm 74 may be coupled to the handle 72 and the arm 74 can beused for attaching to a decoration 30.

FIGS. 66 and 67 depict yet another embodiment that utilizes a crimp bead10 with a clip-like member 76 extending through the crimp bead 10 andalong the side of the crimp bead 10. A loop 32 having an opening 28 iscoupled to the other end of the clip-like member 76 and a decoration 30can be attached to the loop 32. In this embodiment, the clip-like member76 serves as the post 22.

FIG. 68 depicts a crimp bead 10 with a hole 48 extending through theside of the crimp bead 10, a loop or wire 50 extends through the hole 48and is coupled to a free-hanging member 32 having an open center 28. Thefree-hanging member 32 can be used for coupling a decorative element 30.The loop 50 may be a wire material or other material. The free-hangingmember 32 can be cut from a bottom end of the crimp bead 10.

FIGS. 69-71 depicts an embodiment like that shown in FIGS. 62-63 , butwith the upper and lower rings 64 being formed by a sheet of materialthat has two circular members at opposite ends coupled together by astrip of material 32. The two circular members 64 can be positioned atopposite ends of a crimp bead 10 such that when the crimp bead 10 iscrimped, the two circular members 64 are trapped in place around thecrimp bead 10. The strip of material 31 that couples the two circularmembers 64 together serves as a handle for coupling with a decorativeelement 30.

FIGS. 72-73 depict a connector assembly 20 with a crimp bead 10 having ahole 48 extending through a side of the bead 10 near a bottom end of thecrimp bead 10. A loop 32 extends through the crimp bead hole 48. Theloop 32 may be a wire loop or something like a jump ring, among othertypes of loops. The lower end of the crimp bead 10 serves as a link 22and the loop serves as a decoration attachment member 32 for attachingto a decorative element 30. In use, the crimp bead 10 is crimped only atthe top end of the bead 10 while the bottom end of the bead 10, in thevicinity of the hole 48 in the crimp bead 10, remains uncrimped.

FIGS. 74-75 depict yet another embodiment of a connector assembly 20used with a crimp bead 10. In this case, a metal loop 78 having two freeends is inserted through the opening in the crimp bead 10 to form anexterior loop. When the crimp bead 10 is crimped on to the metal loop,the free ends of the loop are covered by the crimp bead 10. Theremainder of the loop is used as a member for coupling with a decorationattachment member. A jump ring can be coupled to the loop, or a lobsterclaw or other connector 22 can be coupled to the loop to attach adecoration 30. In this embodiment, the metal loop 78 fulfills thefunction of the connector 22 and the decoration attachment member 32.

FIGS. 76 and 77 depict alternative examples of a metal loop 78 havingfree ends for use with a crimp bead 10, as shown in FIGS. 74-75 . InFIG. 76 , the loop has a larger open bottom end for coupling with adecorative element 30. The bottom end of the loop extends below thecrimp bead 10. In FIG. 77 , the loop 32 has a larger side opening forcoupling with a decorative element 30. The loop 32 does not extend belowthe crimp bead 10, although it could. Like with the embodiment shown inFIGS. 74-75 , the metal loop 78 fulfills the function of both theconnector 32 and the decoration attachment member 32.

The connector assemblies 20 have been described in the context ofornamental use in a wearer's hair. The connector assemblies 20 canadvantageously be used for team wear, proms, weddings, seasonal dressup, cosplay, costumes, and many other areas. The ornamental features ofthe design can include licensed products, such as college andprofessional sportswear, as well as other licensed products, includingthose for children. Examples include Marvel, Disney, various types oftoys, and the like. Any licensed themed jewelry may be used to apply asornamentation to the hair. In addition, to the hair on a user's head,the connector assemblies 20 described herein could be used on beards, ifdesired.

The connector assemblies 20 could also be used on animals, includingdogs, cats, horses, and other animals. For example, show horses oftenhave decorated and braided manes and tails. The connector assemblies 20could be used to apply different decorations 30 depending upon want orneed. With respect to dogs and cats, pet owners like to dress up theiranimals and the connector assemblies 20 could be used for that purpose.For example, the connector assemblies 20 could be used for putting hatsor hair decorations 30 on a dog or cat's fur. In addition, the connectorassemblies 20 could be used for applying exterior wear items, like raincovers and coats. Thus, it is envisioned that the connector assemblies20 could be used for both ornamental and utilitarian uses.

Persons could also benefit from the connector assemblies 20 forutilitarian purposes. For example, connector assemblies 20 could be usedto tie a hat, sunglasses, reading glasses, and the like, to a user'shair so that they do not blow away.

In addition, the system could be used for medical purposes. For example,medical tubing or other medical devices could be coupled to theconnector in a patient's hair to keep it away from the remainder of thebody. Alternatively, the connector assembly could be used to cover awound on the head by positioning connectors above and below the woundand then coupling a bandage or other covering to the connectors. Otheruses are also envisioned.

Furthermore, the connector assembly could be used in other contextswhere a filament or similar hair-like member is used. Hair is a filamentdesigned for use with the invention, but other filaments, like string,for example, could be used with the system, where the connector assemblyis coupled to string rather than hair.

The decorative element 30 may be any type of element that one would wantto attach to their hair. Examples include beads, feathers, braids, hair,a tiara, and the like. As discussed above, a non-decorative, utilitarianitem may be substituted for the decorative item and the term decorativeelement or decorative member shall also mean elements that are notdecorative, but that serve a utilitarian purpose.

According to the invention, a connector assembly is provided forinstalling on a filament, such as hair. The connector assembly includesa crimping member, a connector, and a decoration attachment member. Thecrimping member is for crimping around a filament. The connector islinked to the crimp bead. The decoration attachment member is coupled tothe connector. The connector assembly is substantially permanentlyattached to the filament.

The connector assembly may also include one or more decorative memberfor removably coupling to the decoration attachment member. Theconnector assembly may include one or more decorative member removablycoupled to the decoration attachment member of the connector assembly.The connector assembly may include a utilitarian element removablycoupled to the decoration attachment member.

The connector and decoration attachment member may be integrally coupledtogether. The decoration attachment member may include a loop forcoupling to a removable decorative member. The crimping member may be acrimp bead and the connector may be a post that extends inside the crimpbead. The decorative attachment member may be coupled to the post in apermanent or a removable manner. The crimp bead may be crimped down ontoa filament and the post to trap the post in position around thefilament.

The connector may be a ring, a pin, a wire, a female member for couplingwith a post, a male member having a downwardly facing opening forreceiving a post, a post having a bead positioned at an end thereof, amale member having downwardly extending arms for coupling to a post, amale member having downwardly extending prongs for coupling with afemale member, a cuff, multiple posts, a clip, a string, a wrap-aroundmember for wrapping around the crimping member, a pair of bendableprongs, or a combination thereof. The decoration attachment member maybe a cuff-like member for coupling to a post, a lobster-claw connector,a female member having upwardly extending arms for coupling to a post, afemale member having an upwardly facing opening for coupling withbendable prongs, a loop, a ring, a handle, a clip, a post, a post havinga bead extending outwardly therefrom, a wire, a string, a cuff-likemember having a shelf, or a combination thereof.

The connector may be an element that is positioned at least in partinside the crimping member. The connector may be a clip, a string, aloop, a wire, or a combination thereof.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a method for attachingdecorative elements to a filament includes installing the crimpingmember around the filament, crimping the crimping member so that it issemi-permanently coupled to the filament, and attaching a decorativeelement to the decoration attachment member. The filament may be strandsof hair.

According to another embodiment, a connector assembly for installing ona filament, such as hair, includes a crimping member, a connector, and adecoration attachment member. The crimping member is for crimping arounda filament. The connector is linked to the crimping member. Thedecoration attachment member is coupled to the connector and theconnector assembly is substantially permanently attached to thefilament. The connector is a post that is coupled at one end thereof tothe crimping member so that when the crimping member is crimped on afilament, the post is substantially permanently coupled to the filament.The decoration attachment member is a female member that clips onto thepost. The decoration attachment member includes an opening forconnection of a decorative member.

The post may have a bead positioned at a bottom end thereof, with thebead having a diameter that is greater than a diameter of the post. Thecuff may have an inner indentation for accepting the bead. The cuff maybe press-fit when installed on the post. The post and cuff may be madeof a plastic material. The post may include a ring at an upper endthereof. The ring may be positioned around an exterior surface of thecrimping member, or the post is positioned inside the crimping member.

The female member of the decoration attachment member may be a cuff thatseats around the post, or a member having an opening in an upper endthereof for attaching to a bottom end of the post along the longitudinalaxis of the post, with the member optionally having arms.

In yet another embodiment, a connector assembly for installing on afilament, such as hair, includes a crimping member, a connector, and adecoration attachment member. The crimping member is for crimping arounda filament. The connector is integrally formed with the crimping member.The decoration attachment member is coupled to the connector. Theconnector assembly is substantially permanently attached to thefilament.

The crimping member may include a hole positioned at a bottom endthereof. The decoration attachment member may be a loop that is coupledto the hole. The loop may be a wire, a ring, or a string. The crimpingmember may be a cylindrical member that is sliced at a bottom endthereof to separate at least part of the crimping member from theremainder of the crimping member. When the crimping member is sliced allthe way through, a ring is formed as the decoration attachment memberand the ring is coupled to the remainder of the crimping member by aloop. When the crimping member is sliced partially therethrough, a partof the crimping member at the bottom end thereof is bent downwardly toprovide the decoration attachment member.

While various features are presented above, it should be understood thatthe features may be used singly or in any combination thereof. Further,it should be understood that variations and modifications may occur tothose skilled in the art to which the claimed examples pertain. Theexamples described herein are exemplary. The disclosure may enable thoseskilled in the art to make and use alternative designs havingalternative elements that likewise correspond to the elements recited inthe claims. The intended scope may thus include other examples that donot differ or that insubstantially differ from the literal language ofthe claims. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms ormodifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any)appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

What is claimed is:
 1. A connector assembly for installing on a filament, such as hair, comprising: a crimping member for crimping around a filament; a connector linked to the crimp bead; and a decoration attachment member coupled to the connector, wherein the connector assembly is substantially permanently attached to the filament.
 2. The connector assembly of claim 1, further comprising one or more decorative member for removably coupling to the decoration attachment member.
 3. The connector assembly of claim 1, further comprising one or more decorative member removably coupled to the decoration attachment member of the connector assembly.
 4. The connector assembly of claim 1, further comprising a utilitarian element removably coupled to the decoration attachment member.
 5. The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the connector and decoration attachment member are integrally coupled together.
 6. The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the decoration attachment member includes a loop for coupling to a removable decorative member.
 7. The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the crimping member is a crimp bead, the connector is a post that extends inside the crimp bead, and the decorative attachment member is coupled to the post in a permanent or a removable manner, and the crimp bead is crimped down onto a filament and the post to trap the post in position around the filament.
 8. The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the connector is a ring, a pin, a wire, a female member for coupling with a post, a male member having a downwardly facing opening for receiving a post, a post having a bead positioned at an end thereof, a male member having downwardly extending arms for coupling to a post, a male member having downwardly extending prongs for coupling with a female member, a cuff, multiple posts, a clip, a string, a wrap-around member for wrapping around the crimping member, a pair of bendable prongs, or a combination thereof.
 9. The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the decoration attachment member is a cuff-like member for coupling to a post, a lobster-claw connector, a female member having upwardly extending arms for coupling to a post, a female member having an upwardly facing opening for coupling with bendable prongs, a loop, a ring, a handle, a clip, a post, a post having a bead extending outwardly therefrom, a wire, a string, a cuff-like member having a shelf, or a combination thereof.
 10. The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the connector is an element that is positioned at least in part inside the crimping member, and the connector is a clip, a string, a loop, a wire, or a combination thereof.
 11. A method for attaching decorative elements to a filament according to claim 1, comprising: installing the crimping member around the filament; crimping the crimping member so that it is semi-permanently coupled to the filament; and attaching a decorative element to the decoration attachment member.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the filament is strands of hair.
 13. A connector assembly for installing on a filament, such as hair, comprising: a crimping member for crimping around a filament; a connector linked to the crimping member; and a decoration attachment member coupled to the connector, wherein the connector assembly is substantially permanently attached to the filament, the connector is a post that is coupled at one end thereof to the crimping member so that when the crimping member is crimped on a filament, the post is substantially permanently coupled to the filament, and the decoration attachment member is a female member that clips onto the post, with the decoration attachment member including an opening for connection of a decorative member.
 14. The connector assembly of claim 13, wherein the post has a bead positioned at a bottom end thereof, with the bead having a diameter that is greater than a diameter of the post, and the cuff has an inner indentation for accepting the bead, and the cuff has a press-fit when installed on the post.
 15. The connector assembly of claim 14, wherein the post and cuff are made of a plastic material.
 16. The connector assembly of claim 13, wherein the post includes a ring at an upper end thereof and the ring is positioned around an exterior surface of the crimping member, or the post is positioned inside the crimping member.
 17. The connector assembly of claim 13, wherein the female member of the decoration attachment member is a cuff that seats around the post, or a member having an opening in an upper end thereof for attaching to a bottom end of the post along the longitudinal axis of the post, with the member optionally having arms.
 18. A connector assembly for installing on a filament, such as hair, comprising: a crimping member for crimping around a filament; a connector integrally formed with the crimping member; and a decoration attachment member coupled to the connector, wherein the connector assembly is substantially permanently attached to the filament.
 19. The connector assembly of claim 18, wherein the crimping member includes a hole positioned at a bottom end thereof, and the decoration attachment member is a loop that is coupled to the hole, wherein the loop is a wire, a ring, or a string.
 20. The connector assembly of claim 18, wherein the crimping member is a cylindrical member that is sliced at a bottom end thereof to separate at least part of the crimping member from the remainder of the crimping member, wherein when the crimping member is sliced all the way through, a ring is formed as the decoration attachment member and the ring is coupled to the remainder of the crimping member by a loop, or wherein when the crimping member is sliced partially therethrough, a part of the crimping member at the bottom end thereof is bent downwardly to provide the decoration attachment member. 